The social store in Assen is open again to a limited extent after the ceiling collapsed in early February. Yet the working conditions are still hopeless and the volunteers are hastily searching for new premises.
“It is a choice between two evils,” explains volunteer Tirza van Brakel-Engberts. “A bad work situation for our volunteers or our customers can no longer help.”
The Social Shop helps people in trouble with free articles and clothing, among other things. The store also offers assistance with, for example, applying for benefits and registering for funds.
Almost two months ago, part of the ceiling of the building on the AHG Fokkerstraat collapsed. There were visitors present at the time, including many children, but no one was injured. Due to the unsafe situation, the foundation closed its doors for weeks. After inspection, it appears to be safe enough and the store has been open again limited since last week. The business is now open on Wednesdays and Thursdays instead of four days a week.
However, working conditions are still very bad. “The electricity keeps going out and the heating doesn’t work. We have many volunteers who are elderly and have health problems. They are having a very difficult time,” says Van Brakel-Engberts.
Despite the appalling conditions, stopping is not an option for the foundation. “Our store meets a huge need. The customers reacted sadly and sometimes angry to the temporary closure. So we have to open,” says Van Brakel-Engberts. The customer base consists of about 800 people, about 300 of whom visit us every month.
And that number has increased considerably in recent times, the Assenaar sees. “We used to get the occasional cry for help, but now our mailbox is filling up every day with people who are stuck. And we expect it to only get busier in the coming years.”
Meanwhile, the foundation is working hard on a solution. The organization has been working for a long time to get a new building assigned by the municipality. Talks have now been held with alderman Cor Staal (Christian Union). “That went well. But before they can help, we first need to substantiate our added value and get our administration in order.”
If it were up to her, the Social Shop will soon be in another building. “A community center would be ideal, so that we are close to the people in the area and can work together with other organizations, such as Humanitas and Stichting Vaart en Welzijn.”